From the moment you walk along the pebbled lane and through the front door at Freemasons at Wiswell your inner soul is warmed. Once inside the Inn the pub is cosy and charming, it makes you instantly feel at home.
Occasionally you will eat something that is delicious to taste, and beautifully presented, Steven Smith’s menu is both of these things and more.
We were invited to sample the 7-course Taster Menu, and it didn’t disappoint. Everything from the snacks that are uniquely prepared with fresh, local, and British ingredients, to each course devised with precision, flavour, and impact in mind.
Snacks
A selection of snacks including salmon croquettes, salmon and prawn mousse shells, lamb brioche, and the best prawn toast ever made were served as first and second courses. Followed by all the dishes below.
Soup
Velouté of Leek, Spring Onion & Spinach, White Balsamic Jelly, Fondue of Procter’s Kickass Cheddar, Truffled Cheese Hot Dog.
If you like truffle oil then this dish is tailored perfectly for your rich taste buds. For me, the Velouté was the star of the show, it was deliciously rich yet not overwhelmingly powerful, simply the smoothest and silkiest soup imaginable.
Whitby Cod
Roast Loin, Tomato Butter Sauce.
This was an insanely delicate fish dish, which simply flaked perfectly onto the fork. Each dainty mouthful was packed with a flavoursome tomato beurre blanc, and the Isle of White tomatoes were another level sweet. This entire dish was awe-inspiring.
Herdwick Lamb
Late Summer Vegetables, Olive Lamb Fat Sauce, Pressed Kofta, Burrata.
The time and effort that must have gone into producing the perfectly spiced pressed kofta on the plate deserves huge recognition. Closely followed by the olive lamb fat sauce, which brought out the more unusual lamb chop flavours, this main course was divine.
Lemon
Meringue Pie, Scottish Raspberries, Pistachio
Who doesn’t love a deconstructed pudding? Everything from the pistachio ice cream to the beautiful voluptuous meringues and the massive Scottish raspberries made this dish instantly moreish. Even the lemon pie made me want to cry, it was so good.
Homemade Tea Cakes, Truffles & Fudge
The pièce de résistance was being presented with homemade petit fours to end the meal. The chocolate truffles need a shout out, because they were incredible.
The Hare
We spent the night in The Hare, one of the rooms located down the cobbled lane inside a quaint building adjacent to Freemasons at Wiswell.
The Hare offers a super king-sized bed, 50-inch Smart TV, Nespresso machine and handmade bath and body products. The main feature of The Hare is the mezzanine floor, which has a roll top bath overlooking the bedroom.
Inside the bathroom there are sinks for both guests alongside a huge walk-in shower, which can easily fit two people. There are luxury bathrobes, plenty of towels, and lots of comfy cushions to relax upon. A window seat is a neat addition from where to read a newspaper or watch the world go by. The room is adorned with wall art, sculptures, trinkets, and taxidermy all with the theme of Hares. A very well thought out room indeed.
Breakfast
Breakfast is ordered the night prior and left with the restaurant manager ready to be served at Freemasons the following morning.
If you’re looking for a night away with the most outstanding food, then Freemasons at Wiswell should be on your radar. The restaurant and rooms are featured within Michelin Guide, Harden’s Review, the AA Restaurant Guide and many more. Visitors will find the village of Wiswell nestled in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire.
The Taster Menu is priced at £75 per head, Wine Flight at £45 per head, and rooms start at £220 – £330 depending on the room chosen (room rate includes a 5-course breakfast menu). Visit Freemasons at Wiswell to find out more.
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